Hyde’s unbeaten run of 19 games came to an abrupt end at sunny Haig Avenue on Saturday in a pulsating game. The Tigers were left with memories of what might have been, but on the day, despite having lots of possession, they failed to provide the killer touch after giving Southport a three goal start.

In a sensational first half, Southport were three up within the first twenty two minutes, before Hyde pulled one back, missed a penalty and then Steven Dickinson producing a wonder save to keep out a Jamie Milligan free kick. In a breathtaking half the referee found time to book six players and then right on half time, Neil Tolson had a goal disallowed for offside.

Southport scored after just two minutes after Paul Jones headed out a corner only to find Steve Pickford volleying it into the top corner. He was later booked for a crud e tackle on John Gaynor, who then found himself booked after retribution. Former Tiger, Kevin Leadbetter scored another wonder goal after 20 minutes after running half the length of the pitch. Terry Fearns added another two minutes later and it looked all over for the Tigers. However they slowly clawed their way back as despite conceding, they had plenty of possession. They were given a lifeline as McNeil was fouled in the area, but Phil Salt’s spot kick hit a post and was cleared. Hyde still pushed forward and after Milligan had been thwarted by Dickinson, he swung over a perfect corner for John O’Kane to flick on and Tolson to score at the far post. He almost had a second, but the assistant referee intervened.

The intense excitement couldn’t possibly continue in the second half and the game eventually fizzled out. Man of the match Leadbetter continued to worry the Tigers every time he received the ball and Jones was possibly lucky only to see yellow as he brought him down as he burst through. Plenty more possession for Hyde and some neat football, but the game had gone after those crazy first twenty minutes and two stunning goals.

The referee collected eight bookings, five for Hyde, but it was never a dirty game but just a typical blood and thunder cup tie which had everything. Almost 1200 saw it and couldn’t have failed to have been impressed with both teams.